Testimonial: Chief Harvey Baker – University Park Police
At University Park, Maryland, Chief Harvey Baker has seen firsthand the positive impact of Insight Policing on his department. In a recent interview, Chief Baker shared how the conflict resolution model has transformed how his officers approach tense situations.
“Insight Policing is an excellent conflict resolution model that slows things down. It really makes the officer think,” said Chief Baker. “Noticing, verifying, and then asking those curious questions—that’s what works.”
One example he provided involved a citizen who was upset over a past interaction with law enforcement. Rather than rushing to address the complaint, Chief Baker took the time to listen and ask clarifying questions, which ultimately helped calm the situation.
“Once I started asking questions, it kind of took the wind out of him,” Baker explained. The conversation revealed that the root of the citizen's frustration was embarrassment over a traffic stop, which Baker was able to uncover using the Insight Policing model.
For Chief Baker, Insight Policing has become a core component of his department’s training. “It’s required training for everybody who’s here because it works,” Baker said. "I've seen it work, and it’s now a must for us."
As departments across the country seek ways to improve community relations and handle conflict, Chief Baker's experience demonstrates that Insight Policing is an effective tool for building trust and achieving better outcomes.
To learn more about Chief Baker’s experience with Insight Policing, watch the full video here.
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